STYLISH HALLS

INTERIOR DESIGNERS ARE TURNING THESE OFTEN-OVERLOOKED TRANSITIONAL SPACES INTO MODERN MASTERPIECES

- HUGH METCALF

1 MIRROR, MIRROR

Mirrors help to make spaces feel larger and brighter than they actually are. While a simple wall-mounted mirror may be all it needs, many interior designers look to be more inventive. In some projects, I've created a great sense of never-ending space by using a mirror that looks like an arched doorway at the end of the hallway.' Justin Charette, founder, Justin Charette Design

2 BE BOLD

"There is no reason why a transitional space shouldn't be beautiful and expressive. We may only experience these spaces in passing, but they can really brighten up a home. There is also the added advantage that, because we don't linger in them, you can be bolder with your ideas. I do think that hallways are more successful if designed with a cohesive scheme that is carried through in the rooms beyond, but you can definitely accentuate the ideas and be adventurous. Irene Astrain, architect and co-founder of Astrain Scheldt Architects

3 FINE-ART FLOORS

If wall-hung art makes the walls feel as though they're closing in, choose to lay an artistic rug on your hallway floor instead. A rug can really bring a narrow space to life and help to highlight an area, even making it feel like an additional room. We often take for granted adjoining spaces like stairs and corridors, but why not create features of these with a decorative runner or rug?' Simon Goff, founder, Floor Story

4 WORKING SPACE